The school year is in full swing. This is our second week of classes. One of the most rare commodities on our campus is sleep. None of the students get enough, at least not at the appropriate time.

It’s hard to say when most of them sleep. They usually go until they can’t stay up any longer and then they crash wherever they may be. They rise just in time for class. They rush to their appointed places and then rush back to their rooms where they crash until it is time for the next class. Then they may take a few hours nap until mid-evening when the cycle begins again. Ain’t college live grand. Don’t you wish you could get that much sleep? Don’t be fooled. Their schedules are murderous.

All of us realize that sleep is a necessary part of our lives. We have to get rest. But our enemy does not. The one who pursues the lives and souls of men does not tire. He constantly “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (IPeter 5.8b) Satan takes no breaks. He does not need to refuel. He is relentless in his pursuit of us all.

The next time you lay your head down to rest, remember to say your prayers. If you don’t think it’s important to teach children to pray before they sleep just remember the enemy is always on the job. But then again, so is our Father. “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalms 121.1-4)

So put your trust in the one who cares for you when you cannot care for yourself. Rest easy. Sleep well. The shepherd is always guarding us and he has not lost sight of the lion.